Customer Reviews: Read 33 more reviews...
 Bringing one closer to the realities of human nature August 1, 2008
2 out of 4 found this review helpful
What a great book, perfectly organized, smooth writing style, though-provoking topics, bringing one closer to the realities of human nature in the harsh climate of Tibet. Highly recommend this book.
Also, check out 'Into Thing Air' and 'Eiger Dreams' by Krakauer, 'No Short Cuts To the Top' by Ed Viesturs and 'Touching the Void' by Joe Simpson.
 A Very Provocative Read July 20, 2008
1 out of 1 found this review helpful
After reading this book I honestly have no idea of how accurate and objective it is. It is one newspaper writer's account of the increasing immorality of Mount Everest's climbers, guides and expeditions. I was shocked by many of the stories- it sounds as if Mt. Everest has become a wasteland of thieves, greedy profiteers,unqualified guides, selfish and sometimes psychopathic climbers, opportunistic Sherpas and malfunctioning oxygen equipment. If even a fraction of what the author writes is true,it is a truly depraved situation. In addition, it sounds as if the mountain itself has become a dump of empty oxygen bottles, dead bodies and human waste. The main "immoral" climbers characterized in the book (George and Gustavo)seemed to get a disproportionate and overwhelming amount of attention which seemed strange and it left me wondering how much of this book was about anger and a failed expedition the author was a participant in. That is where this book and it's overall accuracy and objectivity come into question. I'm not certain what the truth is. I think it is an interesting read however and it has left me wanting to find out what is truly going on in the world of 8,000 meter climbing.
Fascinating and well written, however July 19, 2008
0 out of 1 found this review helpful
Mr. Kodas is a good writer and has done a very good job of telling the tales of greed and death on Mt Everest. It is hard to turn away from this tale.
However, the insertion of the stories of the author's own summit attempt, was disconcerting and leads one to believe that he has his own personal ax to grind. Additionally, the transition between the several expeditions described is somewhat confusing.
But beyond these faults, the book is a fascinating read. I would recommend this book if you have any interest in climbing or the men and women who feverishly pursue the mountain summits despite the substantial risks.
Eye opening expose July 18, 2008
1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Subtitled: The Fate of Everest in an Age of Greed.
I actually listened to this in audio format. I think it had a greater impact than on me than reading it would have.
Sir Edmund Hillary conquered Everest, the highest peak in the world, in 1953. Since then climbers have flocked in droves to achieve this same lofty goal and the world has watched, fascinated with those willing to risk their lives to stand 'on top of the world.'
Michael Kodas, the author, attempted this climb in 2004. He was sponsored by the newspaper he worked for in Connecticut. This book covers so much more than his trip.
The title says it all. Hillary himself expressed disgust on the 50th anniversary of his achievement over the 'circus' that Everest has become.
Kodas exposes the underbelly of Everest. He details the many deaths on the mountain and follows one family as they search for answers. The thieving, greed and selfishness detailed are not as much as a revelation as they might have been. Numerous stories detailing rescues of climbers left for dead, passed over by many other climbers have been in the news.
Everest basecamp is home to prostitution and drugs,theft and violence.
When I finished listening to the book, I went online and viewed pictures of Everest. It is breathtaking in it's beauty. I can see why people the world over flock here to achieve their dream. However it the sheen is tarnished.
In High Crimes, Kodas presents a well researched, detailed interview of many of the key players in the Himalayas and the ugly side of the mountain.
 interesting July 12, 2008
3 out of 4 found this review helpful
This is a well written book about the underside of climbing Everest. It's a sad story about the greed and lack of decency that sometimes grips mountaineering. Kodas details the story of several climbers who have died trying to summit the mountain and others who have watched them fade.
One particularly sad story reads, "Max Chaya and his Sherpa spent an hour giving David oxygen and trying to get him on his feet, until Russell radioed Max, who was weeping, and coaxed him to get a more on before his own oxygen tanks were exhausted. Max recited the Lords Prayer in French to the dying climber, then headed down. When he got back to camp, Max, who had just achieved his years-long dream of climbing the Seven Summits, wasn't in the mood to celebrate. He zipped himself into his tent and cried for two hours." (p. 303)
Unlike Krakauer's Into Thin Air, I did not find this book to be self promoting or exculpatory in any way. Just a good yet tragic read.
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